Epilogue
PJ
Two months later
It’s weird seeing new people at brunch. One of these days, we’ll outgrow the back room at Gil’s. Not too soon, I hope. Kinda like it here.
Then again, I might not even be here when it happens. Either because I finally found Evans, or because I’ve given up.
“Hey, motherfuckers, listen up because I have an announcement. Sebastian and I finally found a new house we both like. We’re having a housewarming party next Saturday. None of you assholes are invited, but you’re allowed to come help us pack.”
Sebastian shakes his head. “You’re all invited to the housewarming, and we’ve got movers to help us pack.”
Guess it’s understandable that Simon’s a little bit pissy. We all tried to get him to break up with Sebastian at one point. We were worried about the way he kept showing up at brunch with bruises, and we’d already dealt with getting Christian away from his abusive ex.
We were all trying to help. It’s hard to see someone in trouble and not speak up. It is for me, anyway. Seems that way with the rest of the group too.
So, Simon started bringing Sebastian to brunch so we could all get to know him. He seems like an okay guy after all. I’m still not clear on why they keep bringing Simon’s brother and their teenage neighbor, though.
Not my circus, though. I’ve got bigger problems.
Over to my left, Simon’s talking real estate with Michael.
Something about how it was a rough search because there’s not a lot on the market right now.
They need enough room for Simon’s cat, a yard for Sebastian’s new dog, and a room with an attached bath for his brother, yada yada, home office.
Something about quartz kitchen counters because they’re easier to clean?
I don’t know. I’m barely listening because I’m having trouble sympathizing with how hard it is to find a place to live when your boyfriend is wealthy. Simon’s a good guy, though, a good friend, and he deserves happiness. I don’t want to be the asshole who pisses all over his good mood.
I just want to find my brother. After a year of looking, I’m losing hope.
Some security guys Sebastian hired managed to find most of the people who have disappeared around Belle Argo recently.
Most of the rich ones, anyway. It’s good news and everything, but none of them were my brother.
I don’t know if he’s one of the people who got taken in this trafficking scheme, though.
I don’t know anything, and that’s the problem.
“Happy, happy, happy biiiirthday…”
Across from me, a pretty blond waitress slaps a party hat on Adam. Another one’s taking his picture while he and Troy kiss (for some fucking reason) a stuffed cow. More staff are standing behind him and clapping. Most of them look bored.
Alexis and Eve get up to kiss the cow too. Meanwhile, Adam manages to blow the frosting on his cupcake halfway across the table, but the candle’s still lit.
Bunch. Of. Idiots.
I’m going to miss them when I’m gone.
I slide my phone out of my pocket. It’s been set to silent, but I know I’ve been getting messages.
PJ: Did you find the present I got for you?
Fallon: I did, Keeper
PJ: Are you wearing it?
Fallon: Not yet. I’m at the faculty mixer, remember?
“Hey, everything all right? You’re not singing.” Ravi, one of the newbies, nudges me from the right. “You’re not stressed about that paper due next week, are you? I feel like the professor’s asking a lot for so early in the semester.”
“He’s not a professor, just a regular instructor.”
“Either way. I just think symbolism is hard, you know? Especially if the author isn’t alive anymore. Like, how do I know what the roses in The Scarlet Letter were supposed to be about? Were they about hope and defiance, or did Nathaniel Hawthorne just think roses smelled nice? It’s confusing.”
Ravi and I are both students at Belle Argo University, and we’re both in the same Intro to Literature class. He’s a freshman and I’m a senior. Because that’s what happens when you put off taking your core requirements until the last minute. I’m surrounded by nineteen-year-olds.
I shake my head. “I’m not nervous. My paper’s done.” It’s not done. I haven’t even started. Like I said, I’ve had bigger things on my mind.
“…and then you need to pound on it real fucking hard until…” I don’t know what Simon’s talking about now. That’s the danger of tuning out. Now I can’t tune back in because it’ll only be worse. God forbid I act like I was listening. They might want my opinion.
“Hey, PJ, what do you think?”
Fuck.
I take another quick look at my phone.
Fallon: You’re not upset with me, are you?
I close the message and hold up my phone. “Sorry, I have to go. But congrats on the house, man. Love that for you.”
I toss enough cash on the table to cover the drinks, and the toast I didn’t eat, and I get out of there before anyone else can ask questions. I step out into the warm day, still humid but “only” in the upper eighties, because that’s Florida’s version of fall.
I reread the last text I received. I’d better reply before he worries.
Leaning against the red brick facade of Gil’s, I consider my answer. I’m still feeling my way through this whole thing. It’s a new kind of relationship for me.
I’d be lying, though, if I said I didn’t love it. I love how powerful he makes me feel.
PJ: I’m not mad. Just wanted to see it on you.
PJ: But I know how you can make it up to me.
Fallon: Anything
He says that now. I’m going to sit in the front row on Monday and stare him down until he cracks.
PJ: Wear it on Monday. While you’re teaching about The Scarlet Letter up in front of the class. Just for me.
Fallon: Yes, Keeper.
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